If you’ve been on the internet over the past couple of weeks, chances are you’ve seen something fishy making waves in the manicure scene. Yes, we’re talking about fish nails! With coastal aesthetics ruling our summer style, it was only a matter of time before our manicures got the sardinecore touch, too. From Mediterranean nail art to fishing lure designs (aka, our newest obsession), fish nails are spiking in popularity across Instagram and TikTok…and they’re a total catch!
Keep scrolling for everything you need to know about the fish nails trend, including our favorite under-the-sea designs!
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What is the fish nails trend?
Fish nails are the latest coastal manicure trend to dominate our 2025 mood boards, with shimmery designs inspired by scaly sardines, bright fishing lures, and Mediterranean vibes. The trend is a cute and playful twist on the ever-growing seaside aesthetic (think coastal grandmother and sardinecore style). Pinterest even called it all the way back in January, predicting the rise of the fisherman aesthetic for 2025…and since then, fish inspired designs have become a sartorial staple!
In a sea of ocean nail trends, fish nails stand out with their coastal fisherman vibe that’s less Aquamarine and more tackle box. One of our favorite variations? The fishing lure manicure trend, which is exactly what it sounds like. And of course, there’s everyone’s favorite sardine motif, which brings us to our next FAQ…
The Sardine Girl Connection
If you’re anything like us, then you’re currently deep in sardine girl summer, aka the 2025 style trend that has us rocking fish inspired accessories, stocking up on canned seafood, and pretending we’re lounging seaside on the Mediterranean coast. This coastal trend spiked in May 2025, with searches for sardinecore style increasing by 300%…and fish manicures are now the official finishing touch to the look.
Like the sardinecore trend, these aquatic nails reflect our current cultural obsession with coastal European vibes, but on a 2025 budget. From the humble sardine to the fisherman aesthetic, this trend takes inspiration from the simple pleasures in life, with a playful, shimmery vibe that feels authentic, universal, and fun.
Fishing Lure Nails and Sardine Girl Manicures: Our Favorite Fish Nail Designs For 2025
Whether you’re more sardinecore style or fisherman chic, prepare to be hooked on the new fish nails trend! We’re sharing a few of the best fish inspired nail ideas below, plus some expert tips and tricks to DIY the scaly designs at home. Let’s dive in!
1. Trendy Sardinecore Fish Nails
via @fullsetsbyspens
Sardine girls, we’ve found your perfect catch! This coastal manicure brings the sardinecore trend to life with tiny fish floating on top of bright pastel polish. Use these nail art brushes and this dopamine-inducing nail polish set to DIY the bold look at home (hint: glitter makes for great scales!).
2. Vibrant Fishing Lure Nails
via @nsinails
These nails were love at first bite! Inspired by fishing lures, these nails feature a mix of bright and eye-catching designs, from reflective shimmers to pastel ombres.
Not a nail art pro? No prob! This nail artist has perfected the fish nail trend with her rad fishing lure glue-on nails…which come in their very own tackle box! Brb, adding to cart as we speak.
3. Funky Aquatic Fish Nails
via @deco.beauty
Fishing for compliments? These nails have you covered. With a school of shimmery aquatic nail stickers, they’re the coolest upgrade to your go-to minimalist manicure.
4. Holographic Fishing Lure Manicure
via @emgee.nails
Brb, gone fishing! These fishing lure nails look like they came straight out of the tackle box, with a holographic base coat that’ll get anyone’s attention. There are plenty of fish in the sea, and they’re all staring directly at your manicure!
5. Simple + Shimmery Fish Nail Designs
via @mynailgirlness
Say it with me now: fish are friends, not food. If the fishing lure nail trend goes against your fish-are-friends motto, show your love to the ocean critters with this shimmery design. It’s a classic glazed donut manicure, but with an aquatic 2025 twist!
6. Pastel Pink Fish Lure Nails
Because everything is better in pink! We love the girly vibes of these marine nails, which blend trendy fishing lure nail art, an ocean-inspired ombre accent, and a 3D seashell design (use this nail sculpting gel to get the look!). Perfect for a coastal vacation!
7. Mediterranean Inspired Fish Nail Ideas
via @heygreatnails
Speaking of a coastal vacation, these nails are here to transport you straight to the Mediterranean (no plane ticket required!). From the fresh fish nail art to the zesty lemon designs, they’re like the Amalfi Coast in manicure form. Aka, the ultimate seasonal nail inspo!
Looking for more seasonal nail ideas? Check out our complete list of trendy summer-ready manicures here!
8. Funky Mismatched Fish Lure Nail Trend
via @livs.nailsss
Prepare to get lured in with these shimmery mismatched nails! Another take on the fishing lure nail trend, this manicure is playful, it’s eye-catching, and it’s about to be everywhere.
P.S. Here are more glue-on versions of this design so you can recreate the funky marine trend at home!
Find Your Next It Girl Manicure With Our Nail Trend Guides
Calling all nail lovers! As fellow manicure mavens, we love sharing the best nail content for your inspo boards, from the latest nail trends to the best seasonal ideas. Check out our complete nail hub for more inspiration!
What nail trends are you currently obsessing over? Let us know in the comments below!
